Living in this era, the moment we hear the word ‘bat’, our mind starts to connect it with the coronavirus and the pandemic. In such a case, some (who do not know that it's ‘us’ who have misused this creature) might question the significance of observing the International Bat Appreciation Day on April 17, but on the contrary, the day has indeed become more relevant to mark. Here is why!
Bats are often associated with spreading the diseases when the truth is – they help in controlling the number of pests.
Alike other species and small-to-big elements of nature, bats are also important contributors. They play an important role in biodiversity and the ecosystem.
There is much more that we do not know about these flying mammals, which we would try to highlight below.
Such as, do you know that there exist more than 1400 bat species that distinguish them from each other? And they are not blind by the way.
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Date of International Bat Appreciation Day Observance
17th of April.
History of International Bat Appreciation Day
The Oldest Bat Species
About 52.5 million years ago, Onychonycteris — a species of bat — existed in the Eocene period. Yes, the first-ever bats belong to a very old era.
The Giant: Discovery of the Largest Bat
Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz, A German naturalist is credited to document the world’s largest bat in 1831. This giant flying fox with a golden crown is one of the greatest discoveries that belong to the world of bats.
Formation of BCI for the Protection of Bats
BCI Founded
In 1982, scientists who recognized the importance of bats and their presence founded BCI, that is, Bat Conservation International.
What Does PCI Do?
Considering the benefits of bats, BCI aims at increasing awareness about the contribution of bats to the environment. Its causes and awareness drives focus on:
Researching about its species Boosting up the education Conserving the bats and their habitats.Roles of Bats in Our Lives
Here are some of the roles that the bats play!
They control pests. They pollinate flowers and fruits. They help landowners by creating rich fertilizer.However, despite the efforts and the critical facts, it will not be wrong if we say that bats are misunderstood and under the study animals.
The Fall in Bats’ Population
When we were moving towards technological advancement, industrialization, and development in various sectors, we would have never thought that we might be the reason behind the decrease in the population of the species.
Mining, irresponsible tourism, deforestation, and some human activities have been affecting the population of bats badly.
Between 2014 to 2018, BCI has discovered that about 35 species of bats need to be protected on a prior basis. The critical aspect of this cause is – they are not found in one territory or country; they belong to different worldwide locations. The popular zones include South America, the Philippines, and the US.
Official and Documented Support to Preservation of Bats
In May 2013, BCI took a huge step in favor of the Bracken Cave Preserve. It collected about 13,000 signatures in its support.
International Bat Appreciation Day Celebration Ideas
No the Truth
We have got a simple yet complex ecosystem. As we all live in it, the responsibility of preserving it and keeping it fresh and intact also belongs to all of us. And the first and most important way of fulfilling it can be – gathering information. You can use any medium to do it. You read, watch, or listen, the medium doesn’t matter. All that matters is learning a little about it.
Watch a Nature Documentary
They say you observe the most by your brain when you listen and watch at the same time. What can be a better idea than watching and documentary to learn about this contributor called ‘Bat’?
Support BCE
Preserving the bats and their habitats is not a piece of cake. It’s a great cause that Bat Conservation International has undertaken.
You can contribute to this cause by your support at financial or non-financial fronts. You can donate your time, money, or efforts to facilitate your benefaction.
Get Entertained
If you are not a person who shows interest in studying deep or going for support to any social activities, you can simply go for entertaining yourself by watching Batman.
You can also team up with a friend who takes interest in nature and nature-related facts. Maybe this journey will motivate you to creep into the bat’s cave. Who knows, the person who doesn’t like to read it all, might also pause the movie and start to read about the bat-related trivia!
Google It
You might find exploring its images a little weird but are there are many interesting facts associated with the bats that you might be interested in.
Let me tingling your curious nerves by pointing out a question! Have you ever thought about why the bats hang upside down on the branch of a tree? Isn’t it a never-thought-before yet interesting aspect to search for?!
Why is International Bat Appreciation Day Celebrated?
It Brings Us Closer to the Universe
Alike plants, air, sun, and galaxies, various species are also a part of nature. We cannot deny the wisdom of the supreme power that created us and the entire universe. Everything and every one is designed with some purpose and great wit. This very truth applies to the bats as well.
Observing such a day like International Bat Appreciation Day reminds us of this fact by giving us some moments to think about the contribution of bats to the environment.
When we focus on the benefits of the bats with seed-dispersing services, pollination, and controlling the harmful insects, it compels us to revisit our approach towards nature.
Those who consider the bats as the disease-ridden, blood-sucking pests only, they need to know this keystone species more closely.
It Highlights the Need of the Hour
The conservation of such wonderful and different species is important for keeping our nature and the ecosystem intact.
Destruction of the habitats of the bats, hunting, and deforestation are some of the biggest threats and roadblocks in preserving this unique species.
If you do not control and the destructive activities, It might greatly contribute to the gradual collapse of the environmental health and systems.
Awareness and Preservation
The International Bat Appreciation Day not only educates us but also makes us aware. The preservation of such a species, which is mostly addressed as a bloodsucking, disease-spreading species, is not possible until and unless we learn about it more.
Significance of International Bat Appreciation Day
Marking such a day educates us about various roles that bats play in the ecosystem, and thus in our lives. Sense of care within us for such a vital species
It develops a sense of care and protection within us for such a vital species.
Interesting Facts about Bats
The Diet
Alike humans, bats also intake a variety of diets, depending on the type of their species. They eat a wide range of stuff such as fruits, insects, nectar, and blood.
Hope It Doesn’t Scare You
After knowing that some bats lick blood too, I hope their eating speed is not going to double your frightening level.
Brown bats are voracious eaters.
Can you imagine how many mosquitoes can a single brown bat eat in one hour? It is – 12,000.
So, next time when a mosquito visits your place to spoil your sleep, assign a bat to do the job.
Do Vampire Bats Really Suck the Blood?
No, they just lick the opening of the wound.
Another Surprise: The Metabolism
Those who often deal with the digestion problem are going to feel envy of the bats.
A bat can digest large food and fruits such as mangoes in just 20 minutes. What a faster metabolism!
The Variety
Do you know that this world is giving shelter to more than 1400 species of bats? It is indeed a whopping number that covers about a quarter of all the worldwide mammal species.
Bats in the United States
If you are curious to know that how many bat species are in the United States; there are more than 40 species of bats that are finding shelter in the US.
